Pitched
an octave higher than the standard bassoon it relates to it like a
descant recorder to a tenor, or if you prefer like a cello to a double
bass. This means that normal bassoon parts can be used and the only
difference is that it will sound an octave higher. Because it weighs
less than 1/2kg it is the ideal instrument to start very small children
as young as 4 years of age. It is much easier to make a sound on than
most other instruments, it allows even the youngest to make a start in
music and it is ergonomically ideally suited to enhance the growing body
without causing unwanted strain. In its simple version with only five
keys the fingerings are very similar to the recorder and this makes it
also an ideal progression for recorder players. Another legitimate use
of the octave bassoon is as bass instrument in a recorder or flute
ensemble where it provides a well defined bass line without dominating
the group.